Improvement in hydrants



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IMPROVEMENT IN HYDRANTS.

Specification forming part of Letters-Patent No. 118,116, dated August 15, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. DUEEETT, of the city of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Hydrants, of which the following is a specification:

This invention consists in the construction and arrangement of the hydrant as hereinafter described, the object being to facilitate the attachment of hose for extinguishing fires, and to enable the water to be easily shut oi when desired and the hydrant removed for repairs.

In the drawing, Figure l is a central-vertical section of my improved hydrant, a portion being left in elevation; Fig. 2, a plan; Fig. 3, a crosssection in line w x,- Fig. 4, a view of the connecting-elbow with the valve-dome removed; Fig. 5,

-a view of the main valve.

A represents the body of the hydrant, and B the elbow that connects it with the main. These parts are screwed together at a, so that the hydrant may be easily removed for repairs. The connection B is surmounted by a dome or closed chamber, G, through the top of which runs a stem, b, that screws at the lower end into a valve, D. This valve runs in a groove or way, c, and when shut down, as in Fig. 1, closes the water-way and cuts oif the supply to the hydrant. When the screw is turned back the valve is raised and stands thus in its normal position. The st em at the top passes through a stuffing-box to prevent escape of water. This lvalve is of much value, as it enables the water to be cut off close to the hydrant. Heretofore the cut-off has been back next to the main, which frequently stops the supply to other points on the connection. In those cases where it is not desirable to use the valve, as above described, an ordinary elbow without the valve may be used, as it is just as readily attached. In the upper end of the barrel Ais screwed a head,

E. This consists ofa ring having two webs 0r diaphragms, d f, at top and bottom, inclosing a space between. This space is divided into a series of water-ways or passages, g g, each distinct and separate in itself. At the lower end these waterways communicate with the main barrel A, and at the top they communicate with nozzles G G, which are threaded upon the outside for the attachment of ordinary fire-hose. Vhen not in use the nozzles may be closed by covers H H, which screw thereon. A larger or smaller number of these nozzles and water-ways may be used, as desired. The ring or head E is removed at any time by simply unscrewin g, which leaves the barrel entirely open. On top the head or ring is bolted a cylindrical box, I, which has a cover, K, hinged on top, and secured by lock and key. Inside this box are situated stems h h, which pass through the web d, and are attached to slidevalves L L that cover the water-ways g g. When forced down they cut off the supply of water to nozzles and confine it in the barrel. This arrangement is of much importance, as thereby several lines of hose may be attached to the hydrant at once and without difficulty. The slide or valve of the nozzle to which the hose is to be attached being closed, of course no water can discharge to interfere with the action. When the hose is secured the valve is withdrawn, and the water at once discharges. The attachment of the several lines of hose is as distinct as if applied to different hydrants; and a second or third may be applied with the same facility after the rst is playing.

In ordinary hydrants, as there is no valve, the hose has to be applied under the pressure of the water, which is difficult and slow to do. The value of my improvement, in allowing several lines of hose to be attached to the one hydrant, and by a stoppage of the flow of water, is apparent.

A rod, M with its upper end resting in box I, passes downward through the barrel, and has attached at its lower end a valve, N, which rests, when depressed, in an offset, k, of the elbow. The attachment is made by a swivel, Z, which allows a free action of the valve to adapt itself to its seat. The valve and its seat m are both made of the angular form shown in Fig. 1, so that they will lit together and pack closely, and this they do readily, owing tothe swiveling of the valve upon the rod. When not in use this valve is drawn upso as to shut water from the barrel. A screw-thread is cut upon the upper end of the rod to allow the valve to be drawn up. At the lower end of the barrel is made a discharge-orifice, p. This is covered by a valve, P, pivoted at s. The upper end w of the valve stands inward toward the rod, and is held by a spring, fv. A stop, e, is located on the rod in such a position that when the valve N is drawn up into its seat the stop z will strike arm r1o and trip the valve P, and thus allow the escape of the contents of the barrel.

The barrel is kept empty except in case of re, when the water is turned on. Thus there is no danger of freezing. On the outside ofthe ba-rrel I place a loose case, R, which receives the earth around it, and allows the removal of the barrel at any time by drawing up through the open end. It also allows the heaving of frost in winter without in any way aiiecting the hydrant which rests inside.

I do not claim an inclosing-case, broadly, as I V am aware that one cast entire, or in a single piece,

has before been employed for the purpose of compensating for the heaving ofthe frost.

My device has two distinguishing fea-tures: First, it is made in two parts or halves, q q, which fit longitudinally, and are locked together by loops j j and lugs 'r r, or equivalent devices; and second, it is made to stand out or away from the barrel at a considerable distance except at the ends, leaving thereby an air-chamber, t, all around the barrel. By making it in two parts it is more easily applied, and the hydrant can be withdrawn without removing any of its parts. And by making the air-chamber a circulation is established and a body of air is always around the barrel, which obviates,in a great degree, danger of 'eezing when water is left standing in the barrel.

The hydrant above described is much more effective for re purposes than any now in use, and 1s also much more easily managed and kept in order.

What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The movable head E, provided with a series of nozzles, G, each having its own water-way g g and cut-orf valves L L, arranged and operating in connection with the barrel A, rod M, valve N, stop z, and trip-valve I, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In combination with the above, the elbow B, connected with the barrel A and provided with the cylinder C, in combination with the stem b and valve D, as set forth. i

3. The barrel A, casing It, nozzles G G, valves L L, rod'M, valve N, stop z, valve P, and cut-off valve D, all arranged as described, and operating in the manner and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereofl I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of April, 1871.

W. H. DUFFETT.

Witnesses:

R. F. OsGooD, ARCHD. BAINE. 

